Former Terps Making An Impact In The NWSL

Maryland Athletics

5-8-2014

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Former University of Maryland women’s soccer standouts Hayley Brock (’13) and Jasmyne Spencer (’11) tallied their first professional goals in National Women’s Soccer League play Wednesday night, headlining a quartet of Terrapin alums, which includes Molly Dreska (’10) and Ashley Grove (’11), making an impact in the NWSL.

“It's terrific to see our players living their professional dreams,” said Maryland head coach Jonathan Morgan. “We are proud of each of these girls accomplishments but we are equally as proud of our players competing overseas. The opportunity to play professionally doesn't come easy so it's great to see their hard work be rewarded.”

Brock, who is in her first season with the Chicago Red Stars, turned an unassuming situation into her first NWSL goal to help the Red Stars earn a 1-1 tie with Sky Blue FC in Piscataway, N.J.

After a free kick taken by Chicago’s Vanessa DiBernardo near midfield bounced to Brock, she settled the ball, turned, and made a cut towards her right foot for a quick shot that she expertly placed in the far-side netting.

Spencer, who is in her first season with the Western NY Flash after spending last season with the Washington Spirit, scored her first professional goal, which proved to be the game-winner in the Flash’s 2-1 win over FC Kansas City.

Late into first half stoppage, with Kansas City pressing for an equalizer, Spencer collected a long pass from Samantha Kerr and, with a combination of her head and feet, beat two KC defenders to go one-on-one with FCKC keeper Nicole Barnhart.

Dreska made her NWSL debut for FC Kansas City after being called up to the active roster on Wednesday. Dreska entered the match in the 17th minute and played 52 minutes before subbing out in the 69th.

Grove is also making her presence felt in the NWSL as a member of the Boston Breakers. After playing in two games for the WNY Flash last season, Grove, who was signed by the Breakers on April 7, has played in each of the Breakers’ last three games and has started in the past two.

Brock, Grove and Spencer all rank among the Terps’ all-time leaders in numerous offensive categories. Brock is third all-time in points with 80 in just three seasons. She is also third in career goals (32) and is tied for 11th in career assists (16). Grove ranks sixth on the career points list with 64, is tied for seventh in career goals (23) and is also tied for eighth in career assists (18). Spencer is tied for ninth on the career points list with 58 and is ninth in career goals with 22. Ten of Spencer’s 22 career goals were game-winners, which is tied for third all-time at Maryland.

Dreska, who was primarily a holding center midfielder during her time with the Terps, is also among the career leaders in assists and is tied for 22nd with 11 helpers.